Peters Township High School

GRADUATION PROJECT

Graduation Requirement

beginning with the Class of 2013 (PTSD Policy #5127)

Peters Township School District Mission

MissionThe mission of the Peters Township Schools, working in partnership with families and the community, is to educate individuals to be responsible, lifelong learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, self-worth, and ethical values necessary to live, learn, lead and flourish in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse global society.

Vision

Peters Township School District Learning from the Past,

Listening to the Present,

Leading for the Future

Superintendent’s Vision

PTSD has a systematic approach of working together toward excellence and expecting it of all student and staff performance.

Peters Township High School Mission for the Graduation Project

The Mission for the Graduation Project is to support the District’s mission, vision, and expectations by affording students the opportunity to meet the State requirements to demonstrate through research, writing, and the integration of skills and concepts their ability to apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding while addressing the PA Academic Standards for Career and Work.

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How to Successfully Complete the Peters Township High School Graduation Project:

1. Know its purpose:

Through career exploration, the students will research their interests, talents, and abilities as they relate to post-secondary options. A variety of required and optional experiences will lead students toward focusing and discovering desirable and appropriate post-secondary decisions as they relate to a first job/career. This process will be documented and stored by the students in electronic portfolios and presented by the student to a panel of school district professionals for evaluation. The project as a whole is completed independently by the student. It is not part of any class; however, components of the project are considered completed if passed in a class.

2. Know the process: MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE ALL COMPONENTS.

NOTE: This is Career Exploration. You do NOT have to pick a career.

Graduation Project Evidence of Accomplishment Assessed/Recorded byElectronic Portfolio Electronic Portfolio that will

include the following:Information Technology (IT) Teacher

Set, Reflect on, Refine Career Goals

a. Goal-setting Worksheetb. One-page reflection paper of

your career Goals from your goal-setting meeting with your counselor

School Counselor

Explore Careers At least two of the following: a. Interest Survey Results from

the District’s Career Exploration software (one-page reflection)

b. Employer Interview in Careers Related to your Career Goals (one-page reflection)

c. Job Shadow in Field Related to your Career Goals (one-page reflection)

d. Electronic Search of Careers Reflection Paper (one-page)

Student—using attached rubric

Evaluation Panel—in junior year during in-service days

See School to Career Coordinator if assistance needed with job shadow.

Develop Resume Resume (keep updating) IT Teacher

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Graduation Project Evidence of Accomplishment Assessed/Recorded byAttend a Career Fair Career Fair Reflection Paper

addressing at least 3 careers represented at the Fair related to your goals (two-page)

Student—using attached rubric for self-assessment

Evaluation Panel—in junior year during in-service days

Present a Speech in Speech Class on your Career Research

Speech Outline—indicated as having passed using the criteria from Speech Class

Speech Teacher

Successfully Complete a Classroom Project in any class OR a Service Project through the Community Service Course that is related to Your Career Goals

The Project (e.g.,video file if from a media project, written report, lab report if from a chemistry project, music file if from a chorus project, etc.)

Classroom Teacher, including Community Service Teacher

College Application with Essay or Job Application depending upon Career Goal

Job Application for the job identified in your career goals if planning on moving directly into the workforce

College/Post-Secondary Institution Application with related Essay

School Counselor

(stored and completed before January 1 of the senior year)

Tell Your Story Using the contents of your electronic Portfolio, present a thoughtful, reflective journey of your career exploration. Dress professionally for this presentation.

Panel of two to three Peters Township Faculty (may also include professionals in this field) near end of junior year

3. Know how to begin:

a. Preferably as a freshman, meet with your school counselor to set your career goals.

b. Ensure that you are scheduled in the IT course your freshman year to create your electronic portfolio and store your resume.

c. Use the attached checklist or one you’ve created to keep track of your accomplishments and progress toward completion of your graduation project.

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FAQs

4. To whom do I go with questions?See the chart above for those responsible for assessing/recording individual components of your project. See your school counselor with questions on the remaining components.

5. When can I or must I “Tell My Story”?All juniors will “Tell Their Story” during an in-service day toward the end of their junior year.

6. Can my reflection papers be of a shorter or longer length?

The minimum length for acceptance is listed above (pgs. 3 & 4).

Papers may run over by one short paragraph, but you are expected to be direct and concise. Long papers will not be considered.

7. May I present at a different time?

Juniors who do not pass their project will have an opportunity to present again as seniors

No presentations will be entertained prior to the scheduled in-service day in your junior year.

8. If I pass all of my required credits and all of the required assessments (e.g., PSSA), but do not do or pass my graduation project, may I still graduate?

No. PA School Code and Peters Township School District Policy (#5127) require passing the graduation project in order to graduate.

Students who have not met ALL of the graduation requirements may not participate in commencement exercises.

9. Is there a suggested timeline to keep me focused? Consider this suggested timeline:

Freshman Year—create electronic portfolio, set career goals, complete resume, begin career exploration, attend career fair.

Sophomore Year—complete a job shadow, successfully complete your career speech, continue career exploration, complete a classroom project or plan take the community service course during the first semester of your junior year.

Junior Year—ensure all required documents are in your portfolio and refine their quality; prepare, practice, and present your “Tell Your Story” presentation.

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Senior Year—complete a college application or job application if moving directly into the workforce and store the application and the college essay, if one was required in your portfolio, BEFORE JANUARY 1 of your senior year.

10. Will the project receive a letter grade and affect my gpa?

The project is Pass/Incomplete/Not Passed.

Pass/Incomplete/Not Passed will not affect your gpa, but an incomplete (did not include one or more of the required components) at the end of the junior year will preclude honor roll status, will keep you on the SHARP list until it is completed, and will prevent your obtaining a parking pass.

11. If I do not pass my junior year, when can I try again?In January, seniors with Incompletes or who did not pass may try again.

12. What happens if the technology fails and my electronic portfolio is gone?

The District will back-up the information in your portfolio. It is STRONGLY suggested that you keep a hard copy of everything you put in your portfolio. This is a good practice for high school, college, and your future careers.

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Peters Township High School Graduation Project

Electronic Portfolio Checklist

Required ContentDate Stored in Electronic

Portfolio

1. Electronic Portfolio _(created)_____________________

2. One-page reflection paper of Career Goals and Goal-Setting Workshop _________________________

3. Resume _________________________

4. At least two of the following: a. One –page Reflection Paper of Interest

Survey and Survey Results from the District’s Career Exploration software _________________________

b. One-page Reflection Paper of Employer Interview in Careers Related to your Career Goals _________________________

c. One-page Reflection Paper of Job Shadow in Field Related to my Career Goals _________________________

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d. One-page Reflection Paper of my Electronic Search of Careers _________________________

5. Two-page Reflection addressing at least 3 careers represented at the Fair related to my career goals _________________________

6. Speech Outline _________________________

7. Career-related Classroom Project (e.g.,video, written report, lab report, etc.) or Community Service Project _________________________

8. Application (due by Jan. 1 of senior year)a. College/Post-Secondary Institution

Application with related Essay or b. Job Application

8 Habits of Highly Effective Students

Successfully Completing the Peters Township Graduation Project

(Move from being dependent ► to independence ► to interdependence.)

1. BE PROACTIVE Begin thinking about how you will complete this process Do not wait until the last minute and try to cram Keep good records and print out hard copies of back-up information Schedule appointments well in advance KEEP A HARD COPY OF ALL ELECTRONICALLY SAVED DOCUMENTS

2. BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND Ask yourself exactly what you expect your electronic portfolio to look like by the

time you are ready to present Envision yourself presenting—will you stand and present? Will you use

technology (e.g., ppt, video, audio, etc.) Study the rubrics and expectations to ensure you understand what to submit and

what the expectations are to pass Decide if you are just interested in passing or you want your project to be used as

an example of quality work that is shared with upcoming classes

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3. PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST Review the expectations of the Graduation Project Design Your Plan for Successful Completion Meet with your counselor to set your career goals Create your electronic portfolio through your IT course (keep it updated) Create your resume in IT class Attend the District’s Career Fair

4. THINK WIN-WIN The graduation project is a great way to meet graduation requirements and

showcase your talents, skills, and creativity The graduation project is an excellent way to prepare for the college/job

application process and to make a thoughtful post-secondary choice Much of what you put into your portfolio can be used later, even in a college

interview

5. SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD Ask questions along the way, so that you are not surprised when it is time to

present and your electronic documents or your presentation is not acceptable Read over the rubrics, and seek clarity if you do not understand Design quality interview questions, so that you truly understand the pre-requisites,

time commitment, job tasks, and future of the career you are considering Attend an afterschool workshop your junior year to practice your “You’re your

Story” presentation

6. SYNERGIZE Work with others to plan and brainstorm Meet with your counselor Talk with your IT teacher and the Career Resource Center (CRC) representative

(Mrs. Pigman) Include classroom teachers, parents, peers, siblings, and experts in career fields to

guide your career selection

7. SHARPEN THE SAW Using the habits will keep you focused, less anxious, and able to relax Keep on schedule and be proactive, so you have time to relax Recognize that stepping away from any task to refresh and refocus will support a

quality product or outcome

8. FIND YOUR VOICE Be a self-advocate

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Don’t select a career goal because someone thinks you should; do the research and determine what is right for you

Create an excellent “Tell Your Story” presentation

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PTHS GRADUATION PROJECT

REFLECTION PAPER RUBRIC

Exceptional

2

Proficient

1

No credit

0

FOCUS Clearly states the purpose of the activity.

Never diverges from the topic.

Implies but does not clearly state the purpose of the activity.

Never diverges from the topic.

Does not state or imply the purpose of the activity.

Diverges from the topic.

CONTENT Demonstrates a thorough self-reflective analysis including a summary of the activity supported by specific and illustrative details.

Draws conclusions and makes connections to future plans.

Demonstrates a reflective analysis including a summary of the activity supported by details.

Draws conclusions and makes a connection to future plans.

Lacks development and self-reflection.

Does not include a summary of the activity or has insufficient details.

Does not make a connection to future plans.

ORGANIZATION Presents the reflection in a compelling, highly-organized manner.

Includes the following elements:

Attention-getting introduction, which includes thesis statement

Effective transitions

Reflective conclusion

Presents the reflection in a well-organized manner.

Includes the following elements:

Introduction with thesis statement

Transitions

Conclusion

Presents the reflection in a poorly organized manner.

Elements are missing that impact understanding:

No introduction

No transitions

No conclusion

CONVENTIONS Uses articulate and appropriate language, sophisticated word choice, and sentence structure.

0-1 errors in:

Grammar

Punctuation

Mechanics

Uses appropriate language, word choice, sentence structure.

2-3 errors in:

Grammar

Punctuation

Mechanics

Uses slang and unsophisticated word choice.

4 or more errors in:

Grammar

Punctuation

Mechanics

Passing (score of 4 or higher with NO “no credits” ___________ _____________________

Score Number of “No Credits”

PTHS GRADUATION PROJECT

ORAL PRESENTATION RUBRIC: TELL YOUR STORY

Exceptional

2

Proficient

1

No credit

0

Content Discussion includes detailed reflection of the career journey.

Thorough conclusions drawn on all of the following:

Career goal-setting Interest survey results Employer interviews Job shadowing in a related

field Electronic career search Participation in career fairs Career speech Career-related classroom

project ORcommunity service project

Demonstrates a thorough analysis and synthesis of this process and presents a plan for future endeavors/next steps (e.g.: apply to post-secondary institution, military, job).

Discussion includes the career journey.

Conclusions drawn on all of all of the following:

Career goal-setting Interest survey results Employer interviews Job shadowing in a related

field Electronic career search Participation in career fairs Career speech Career-related classroom

project ORcommunity service project

Demonstrates analysis and synthesis of the graduation project/process and presents a plan for future endeavors.

Discussion includes the career journey.

Conclusions missing on one or more of the following:

Career goal-setting Interest survey

results Employer

interviews Job shadowing in a

related field Electronic career

search Participation in

career fairs Career speech Career-related

classroom project ORcommunity service project

Little or no analysis or synthesis of the graduation project process or no plan for future endeavors/next steps.

Organization Presents the project in a compelling, highly-organized manner. Includes the following elements:

1. attention-getting introduction, which includes thesis statement

2. effective transitions

3. reflective conclusion

Presents the project in a well-organized manner. Elements are recognizable:

1. introduction with thesis statement

2. transitions

3. conclusion

Presentation is poorly organized. Elements are missing that impact understanding:

1. no introduction

2. poor transitions

3. no conclusion

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Oral Presentation Rubric cont.

Exceptional

2

Proficient

1

No credit

0

Presentation Uses articulate and appropriate language and sophisticated word choice.

Minimal use of prompts (e.g., note cards, ppt slides, etc.).

No errors in grammar.

Avoids fillers such as “um,” “like,” etc.

Body language enhances presentation—appropriate use of gestures, posture, and eye contact.

Uses appropriate language and word choice.

Minimal use of prompts (e.g., note cards, ppt slides, etc.).

Few errors in grammar.

Avoids excessive fillers such as “um,” “like,” etc.

Body language does not distract from presentation—use of gestures, good posture, and eye contact.

Uses slang and unsophisticated word choice.

Overreliance on prompts (e.g., note cards, ppt slides, etc.).

Frequent errors in grammar.

Body language distracts from presentation—lack of or distracting gestures, poor posture, little or no eye contact.

Voice Speaks clearly, expressively, audibly; exceptional use of pace and enthusiasm.

Speaks clearly, audibly, and with inflection.

Presents at an appropriate pace.

Speech is unclear, inaudible, or monotone. Pace is too fast or too slow.

Attire Dresses “professionally.”

Males--dress slacks, dress shoes with socks, tie. Professional use of jewelry, make-up, and hairstyle. No noticeable body art or piercing. Follows student dress code.

Females--dress shoes, dress, suit, or dress slacks. Professional use of jewelry, make-up, and hairstyle. No noticeable body art or piercing. Follows student dress code.

Dresses in “business casual.”

Males--Docker-type slacks, golf-shirt, no tie, casual shoes with socks (no athletic shoes). No evidence of distracting jewelry/make-up/hairstyle/body art/piercings. Follows student dress code.

Females--skirt or slacks and sweater/blouse, and dress shoes. No evidence of distracting jewelry/make-up/hairstyle/body art/piercings. Follows student dress code.

Dresses unprofessionally.

Jeans, shorts, athletic shoes, t-shirt, casual sandals/flip flops. Excessive use of make-up, distracting hairstyle/body art/piercings/or jewelry.

Does not follow dress code.

Passing (score of 5 or higher with NO (“no credits”) ___________ _____________________

Score Number of “No Credits”

Presentation length: __________ minutes

Presentation must be between 10 and 15 minutes.

Presentations less than 10 minutes or more than 15 minutes will receive an Incomplete.

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NOTES:

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